England's latest Six Nations grand slam deserves glowing appreciation for two key reasons. First, consistent excellence should always receive due recognition. Second, England had to do far more than simply show up and secure a routine victory that leaves fans underwhelmed.
Hard-Fought Victory Over France
A 15-point margin might not suggest a full-blooded contest, but France more than fulfilled their part of the bargain. The nagging concern that the Red Roses are not being sufficiently challenged was dispelled as the determined hosts pinned England back for lengthy periods. This made England's eighth successive Six Nations crown all the more admirable. It was anything but a serene cruise, particularly in the first and third quarters as France pounded the visiting line. England's defensive solidity, previously lacking in the campaign, was tested but held firm.
Even when France fought back to 29-21 with 20 minutes left, they could find no way through. The crucial next score came from Jess Breach, who collected her second try wide on the right to snuff out the hosts' momentum. Head coach John Mitchell had called for courage and precise interplay, and the purposeful midfield running delivered exactly that.
Individual Brilliance Shines
England also benefit from the lurking match-winner Ellie Kildunne. Twice in the first half, the full-back accelerated away with long-limbed strides, leaving everyone trailing. Her well-timed pass also put Breach clear, proving she can create as well as finish. For those who question watching a foregone conclusion, the answer is that maintaining quality and quantity at the highest level is not easy.
Men's tennis had similar dominance with Pete Sampras, who spent 286 consecutive weeks at No. 1 and won Wimbledon seven times in eight years. It was not Sampras's fault he became unbeatable on grass, just as it is not England's fault they have the resources, depth, quality, and ruthlessness to keep winning. Criticism of basketball's Boston Celtics or LA Lakers for winning too regularly was rare.
Growing the Women's Game
Winning the World Cup last year allowed the women's game to take a significant leap in attention and support. Scotland, Ireland, and Italy have all set attendance records this season. Sustaining momentum is the next battle, but there are reasons to believe it can be done. The first British & Irish Lions women's tour departs for New Zealand next year, another step in spreading the gospel. Welcoming Welsh or Scottish teams into Premiership Women's Rugby might also help, though diluting England's superiority will take time.
No one else has players of the sheer class of Kildunne and Meg Jones, the goal-kicking accuracy of Zoe Harrison, or the forward power that coped with mass withdrawals through injury and pregnancy. Only six starters from the World Cup final against Canada were on the pitch, hence Mitchell's visible emotion after the trophy lift. He called it the hardest Six Nations triumph he has been involved in.
An Achievement Beyond the World Cup
Mitchell believes this was an even bigger achievement than winning the World Cup, where many factors favored the host nation. Captain Jones agreed: "We've faced so much adversity. We fronted up and showed what England is about." Aside from flanker Sadia Kabeya's mild embarrassment at swearing on live television, there was barely a negative in the Bordeaux night air as the team celebrated.
The final word goes to Brian Moore, a men's grand slam winner in 1991, 1992, and 1995, who is retiring from BBC TV summarising. "Don't underestimate the resolve you need to keep doing what England are doing," he stressed. No one appreciated the hard-fought nature of this Anglo-French denouement more than him.
